They were married in September 1968 in the sacred Palni Hills. Their
wadded bliss was, however, short-lived. Trouble started seven months after marriage. The
wife was afflicted with a mental disorder. She was believed to be possessed by evil
spirits and treatment by specialists in Bombay and Madras was of no avail.

The couple became desperate. In this predicament an elderly
neighbor advised: "Go to the Devi at Chottanikara in Kerala for refuge. All will be
well."